Reading is more than looking at words

Have you ever read through a section of a textbook, then realized you don't remember a single word that you just read?

Some strategies for engaged reading:

1. Highlight words or phrases that you do not understand. Stop and look up the meaning of the word/phrase in the dictionary or online.

2. When a question emerges from the reading, stop and write down the question. Discuss these questions in class with your peers or your instructor.

3. At the end of a section, briefly summarize the main points - for example, create an outline for the section.

4. Use critical thinking skills while reading. Examine the evidence for claims. Review the sources. Compare and contrast to other readings you have completed for the course.

5. At the end of a section, go back and re-read the topic sentence for each paragraph in the section.